Birchmeier backpacks
are the best backpack sprayers available and will last many years with
proper use and maintenance. One of the parts that wears out on the Birchmeier Backpack Sprayer is the lid gasket. This is the large o-ring in the lid that prevent chemical from dripping down your back.
The lid gasket should be replaced once a year or when it fails. How will you know when it fails? Your Birchmeier is covered in chemical and your back is wet.
This photo shows a Birchmeier lid gasket that is clearly past its
prime. Don't live with a leaking backpack, replace this gasket. It is a
good idea to keep an extra one in the office so you have it when you
need it. Purchase authentic Birchmeier replacement parts.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Pest Control Spray Trailer
Pest Control Sprayer Trailers are usually built on flat bed trailers or open steel frames. This Pest Control Trailer was kind of unique. Client brought us an enclosed trailer and said build me a pest control sprayer.
This pest control spray rig consists of a 50 gallon 12-Volt Shurflo sprayer with Cox electric Hose reel in the trailer. We cut an opening in the side wall and installed the Cox 4-Way Roller Guides. Hose pulls through the roller guides so client can easily apply pesticides while trailer is locked.
A couple of other neat features:
- Hose rewind button mounted on outside trailer wall for easy access. A kill switch inside the trailer allows operator to deactive rewind button.
- Hose reel raised so operator can grab hose at comfortable level without bending over.
- Hose end secures to quick disconnect mounted on fender. This prevents the hose from unwinding because electric hose reels do not have reel locks on them. If they did have locks, someone would try to rewind hose while the reel was locked, burning out the motor.
- Anti-siphon has hose extension to back door to make tank fill up easy.
Client was very happy with the final result. Trailer will be really cool when signage is applied.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/#ixzz2FnrMoyrp
This pest control spray rig consists of a 50 gallon 12-Volt Shurflo sprayer with Cox electric Hose reel in the trailer. We cut an opening in the side wall and installed the Cox 4-Way Roller Guides. Hose pulls through the roller guides so client can easily apply pesticides while trailer is locked.
A couple of other neat features:
- Hose rewind button mounted on outside trailer wall for easy access. A kill switch inside the trailer allows operator to deactive rewind button.
- Hose reel raised so operator can grab hose at comfortable level without bending over.
- Hose end secures to quick disconnect mounted on fender. This prevents the hose from unwinding because electric hose reels do not have reel locks on them. If they did have locks, someone would try to rewind hose while the reel was locked, burning out the motor.
- Anti-siphon has hose extension to back door to make tank fill up easy.
Client was very happy with the final result. Trailer will be really cool when signage is applied.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/#ixzz2FnrMoyrp
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Backpack Sprayers - Cheap Doesn't Save Money
Backpacks sprayers are great tools for pest control & weed
control. Backpacks range from $50 at the home store to $250 for a top
of the line Birchmeier Backpack to over $400 for an electric model that doesn't require pumping.
When buying your backpack, don't look just at price. This is especially true for professionals relying on a backpack sprayer for their livelihood. A cheap backpack that fails or for which there are no replacement parts does not save you money. Here is a photo of a cheap backpack.
Client bought a cheap backpack. It stopped spraying; they brought it to us for repairs because they couldn't find parts. We couldn't find parts either.
One look and we found a serious design problem. The spray hose connection to the pump mechanism is seriously flawed, causing the hose to kink. The kink restricts water flow, which means the tech has to pump harder and the pump will not last as long as it should.
The correct design would have included an elbow so the hose didn't kink. The elbow would have added a couple of dollars to the cost of the sprayer so it was left off by the manufacturer.
When buying a backpack, look for quality construction, good availability of replacement parts, good design for use and ease of service. For these reasons, I personally like the Birchmeier Backpack sprayers.
When buying your backpack, don't look just at price. This is especially true for professionals relying on a backpack sprayer for their livelihood. A cheap backpack that fails or for which there are no replacement parts does not save you money. Here is a photo of a cheap backpack.
Client bought a cheap backpack. It stopped spraying; they brought it to us for repairs because they couldn't find parts. We couldn't find parts either.
One look and we found a serious design problem. The spray hose connection to the pump mechanism is seriously flawed, causing the hose to kink. The kink restricts water flow, which means the tech has to pump harder and the pump will not last as long as it should.
The correct design would have included an elbow so the hose didn't kink. The elbow would have added a couple of dollars to the cost of the sprayer so it was left off by the manufacturer.
When buying a backpack, look for quality construction, good availability of replacement parts, good design for use and ease of service. For these reasons, I personally like the Birchmeier Backpack sprayers.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Pest Control Sprayer - Spray Tips
Pest control sprayers rely of spray tips for proper application of pesticides. The correct, well-maintained spray tip in your pest control spray rig
gun can contribute to excellent results: both pest control and
financial. The wrong tip, or a worn tip, will have the opposite
results.
The spray tip is the main determinate of power sprayer output. For example, it doesn’t matter if you have a 20 gpm pump and 1” spray hose when the tip is just 1 gpm.
Tip selection determines: output volume, output pattern and droplet size. Each of these factors impacts the quality of the application and the control efforts that you achieve.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2EVQ3RJ6B
The spray tip is the main determinate of power sprayer output. For example, it doesn’t matter if you have a 20 gpm pump and 1” spray hose when the tip is just 1 gpm.
Tip selection determines: output volume, output pattern and droplet size. Each of these factors impacts the quality of the application and the control efforts that you achieve.
- Output Volume – usually measured in volume per unit of time (e.g., gallons per minute). General home pest control sprayer uses lower rates, termite pretreats use higher rates. Higher output generally suggests faster treatments but higher chemical costs.
- Output Pattern – The most popular pest control patterns are flat fan tip and cone/stream. The cone/stream tip allows a more specific targeting of the pesticides. The flat fan tip generally allows the technician to cover a larger area more quickly.
- Droplet Size – Mosquito fogging uses very small droplet size to create a fog that hangs in the air. Smaller droplets can drift to unintended targets: neighbor’s yards, kid’s toys, pet dishes, etc. Termite pretreats are at the other extreme, using large droplet size so that the water goes and stays exactly where you want it to good.
- Start with the right tip. This decision is based upon your application protocol and should be made after considering all the above issues.
- Replace tips regularly. We estimate that brass tips wear out at a rate of approximately 10% per year. This means that every year your tip puts out 10% more chemical. This is an involuntary increase in your chemical costs. If the pattern wears out, you may not be putting the chemical wear you intend. Replacing tips is cheaper than using worn tips. Plastic tips probably wear out faster; stainless steel tips more slowly.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2EVQ3RJ6B
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Pest Control Sprayer Filter - Tips to Eliminate Downtime
Pest control sprayers need love too. The best thing you can do to reduce pest sprayer downtime is pay attention to your filter.
Would you like to boost productivity, improve service and reduce repair expenses? When it comes to pest industry spray equipment, the single most effective means of achieving these results is proper filtration.
Filtration is the removal of suspended foreign material from water. Foreign material can be dirt, sand, rocks, trash or anything else that makes its way into your spray tank, other than the chemical you've added. clean your pest control sprayer filter
Filtration is critical to pest management professionals because debris will wreak havoc: damage pumps; clog hoses, guns and tips and starve pumps of water, causing extensive damage. Our service facility estimates that almost 50 percent of sprayer repairs are avoidable if proper filtration design and operation is implemented.
While I'm focusing on power sprayers in this column, much of the information also applies to B&G sprayers and Birchmeier backpacks.
POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION DESIGN
Design includes equipment selection, placement and access. Selection should be based on material being applied, quality of water, technician compliance and the type of pump.
Most PMPs can get by with one line strainer between the tank and pump. Note that a line strainer refers to the complete unit, which contains a metal filter. However, the mesh of the filter is important: Too fine, and it will clog quickly; too coarse, and small debris will get through.
If your water source is poor, use additional filtration. For example, many termite pretreaters in new home developments rely on water lines filled with debris. For some clients, we've added a line strainer on the hydrant fill line, a filter basket in the tank fillwell and/or two line strainers between the tank and pump. In the last situation, the first filter is coarse and the second is fine — a combination that works well to eliminate most debris.
Some pumps require more filtration than others. Roller pumps, for example, are sensitive to debris and require better filtration than diaphragm pumps.
It's critical that the filtration device be located for easy technician access. This includes being able to easily reach and check the filter, as well as ensuring the system is plumbed so the filter can be checked without causing a spill. If the tank is bottom-plumbed and the strainer is below the water level in the tank, be sure to install a shut-off valve so the filter can be checked even when the tank is full.
Whatever filtration system you and your equipment provider design, try to standardize it across all your vehicles.
POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION OPERATION
Checking and cleaning the filter is the single most valuable preventative maintenance task you can perform. It's also the easiest.
For new equipment, check the filter daily. If there's consistently no debris, consider reducing the frequency. When you determine the appropriate frequency, make it a company policy. Too often is better then too seldom. Reinforce the importance of checking and cleaning the filter.
POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION MAINTENANCE
Eventually the filter will become too dirty to clean. Replace it. Chemicals will eventually swell the gasket in the line strainer, making it impossible to create an airtight seal and causing the pump to suck air. Replace the gasket.
Equip each vehicle with an extra filter and gasket so the technician can perform this repair in the field. If you've standardized your filtration, this is easy.
Eventually the line strainer body may crack, causing an air leak. This requires replacement of the entire unit.
These steps, if followed, will boost productivity, allow you to provide better service to your customers and reduce repair expenses.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2Dv04NwzS
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Quality Equipment & Spray now offers Telestep Ladders
Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® is portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple.
Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards. Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment. For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® is portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple.
Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards. Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment. For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Quality Equipment & Spray now offers Telestep Ladders
Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality
Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use
wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.
“Many of our current customers work in industries where
working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking
for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade
product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they
fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In
order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a
complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders
themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact
at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or
any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans
needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or
behind the seat in your truck. Made of
strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost
anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder
simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps
Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of
high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers
and other equipment.
For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report,
contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
###
Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.
For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.
For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU
Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.
For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”
Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.
For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Gator Weed Sprayer - This Damage is Avoidable
Gator Weed Sprayer brought in for service. We immediately noticed a number of problems with the Gator Sprayer.
You can see one of the problems in this photo. Spray technician was driving carelessly and continually hitting curbs with the tires.
The tires on this john deere gator sprayer aren't going to last long if they are treated like this.
I don't view this as a training issue. This is an attitude issue. The technician doesn't give a damn about the equipment. In future posts I will show some of the other issues with this sprayer.
If the tech doesn't care about the tires, he doesn't care about the rest of the equipment. I don't think it is much of a stretch to say that he doesn't care much about doing a good job either.
Some suggestions:
- Supervisors, managers, owners must periodically inspect equipment to identify issues like this.
- When you find issues like this, use them to train all your technicians.
- If this were my weed control spray company the tech would get exactly 1 more chance to change his ways. He probably won't and I would probably have to fire him.
- If technicians are responsible for the damage they cause to company equipment, damage WILL decrease significantly. This saves the company money, downtime, missed appointments, etc. Ways to hold technicians responsible: MAKE THEM PAY! Once the tech buys one tire, he will never again hit the curb.
- Important note. If you want to make techs pay for damage, talk to your HR expert about ensuring your company policies are properly set up to make this happen.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2BxUT6j2p
You can see one of the problems in this photo. Spray technician was driving carelessly and continually hitting curbs with the tires.
The tires on this john deere gator sprayer aren't going to last long if they are treated like this.
I don't view this as a training issue. This is an attitude issue. The technician doesn't give a damn about the equipment. In future posts I will show some of the other issues with this sprayer.
If the tech doesn't care about the tires, he doesn't care about the rest of the equipment. I don't think it is much of a stretch to say that he doesn't care much about doing a good job either.
Some suggestions:
- Supervisors, managers, owners must periodically inspect equipment to identify issues like this.
- When you find issues like this, use them to train all your technicians.
- If this were my weed control spray company the tech would get exactly 1 more chance to change his ways. He probably won't and I would probably have to fire him.
- If technicians are responsible for the damage they cause to company equipment, damage WILL decrease significantly. This saves the company money, downtime, missed appointments, etc. Ways to hold technicians responsible: MAKE THEM PAY! Once the tech buys one tire, he will never again hit the curb.
- Important note. If you want to make techs pay for damage, talk to your HR expert about ensuring your company policies are properly set up to make this happen.
Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2BxUT6j2p
Sunday, September 2, 2012
My Electric Power Spray Rig Won’t Pump
Electric Power Spray Rig
used for weeds was brought in. Client reports Shurflo pump won’t
spray. We took the pump apart and decided that was not the
problem.
Photo shows the blue sludge that found at the bottom of the tank, clogging everything.
Some chemicals, in this case herbicides, don’t combine well. Potential problems: down time, missed appointments, repair expense, over time, wasted gas returning to the job site, etc.
This problem can be easily avoided. It is critical that you periodically clean out your power sprayer tank to prevent this type of thing from happening.
Read my post in Spray Equipment Tank Cleanout.
Photo shows the blue sludge that found at the bottom of the tank, clogging everything.
Some chemicals, in this case herbicides, don’t combine well. Potential problems: down time, missed appointments, repair expense, over time, wasted gas returning to the job site, etc.
This problem can be easily avoided. It is critical that you periodically clean out your power sprayer tank to prevent this type of thing from happening.
Read my post in Spray Equipment Tank Cleanout.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Cox Hose Reels
Cox hose reels
are an important part of a pest control sprayer or weed control spray
rig. Like other components, some common sense is required when
operating your Cox reel.
One look at these photos will confirm the old adage that common sense is not too common.
The technician was allowing the hose to rub against the vehicle when winding the hose. 2 obvious issues:
1. Pest control company needs to be inspecting his pest control vehicles.
2. Pest control tech needs a serious attitude adjustment.
But wait, there's more.....
In this photo, the damage is even worse. The hose is digging grooves into the pest control vehicle bed liner. If this is what is happening the hard plastic liner, what's happnening to the hose? Can you say "chemical spill"?
One look at these photos will confirm the old adage that common sense is not too common.
The technician was allowing the hose to rub against the vehicle when winding the hose. 2 obvious issues:
1. Pest control company needs to be inspecting his pest control vehicles.
2. Pest control tech needs a serious attitude adjustment.
But wait, there's more.....
In this photo, the damage is even worse. The hose is digging grooves into the pest control vehicle bed liner. If this is what is happening the hard plastic liner, what's happnening to the hose? Can you say "chemical spill"?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Power Spray Rigs - Guaranteed
Quality Equipment
& Spray has announced a no- questions-asked, money-back satisfaction
guarantee on its best-selling pest control spray rigs
and weed control sprayers.
“We want to make it
easy for our customers and prospects to buy with confidence on the internet”,
Quality Equipment & Spray President Andrew Greess stated. “We
have a large installed base of these sprayers and we know they will exceed
expectations. This offer removes the risk so clients can buy a power sprayer on
the internet and be completely confident in their purchase”.
Quality Equipment focuses on building reliable sprayers to
boost technician productivity and reduce downtime. Spray equipment problems cause downtime,
which impacts customers and reduces profitability.
The company’s experience in repairing
sprayers allows it to design sprayers that reduce problems and make routine
preventive maintenance much easier.
Quality Equipment & Spray is a regular contributor to
Pest Management Professional magazine, sharing ideas to help pest management professionals
maximize their spray equipment investment.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Cox Hose Reels Maintenance Tips
Avoid Cox Hose Reel Problems
with these Real Hose Tips
- Swivel – The hose reel swivel (on the side of the reel) allows the drum to turn when rolling and unrolling the hose. The swivel contains rubber o-rings that are exposed to heavy use, chemical exposure and temperature extremes. The o-rings will wear out, allowing chemical to leak. The leak starts as a drip but quickly becomes a steady flow.
- Standardize swivels on all vehicles for ease of maintenance
- Use viton o-rings for longer life
- Keep an extra set of swivel o-rings in stock so that repairs can be completed promptly
- Ensure technicians know that even small leaks must be reported and repaired immediately.
- Hose – A few simple tips can extend hose life and reduce chemical spills
- When rewinding hose, run the hose through a rag to remove grit, and debris that will reduce hose life
- Inspect hose, particularly the first 20 feet for wear and damage. If it looks bad, don’t wait for it to leak, cut it off. This will prevent chemical spills and downtime.
- Reversing the hose periodically will even the wear and can extend hose life.\
- Reel Safety- Manual Reels
- Inspect the Cox Hose reel lock. Is it there? Is it intact? Does it operate properly, i.e., does the lock fit completely and securely into the receiving hole on the reel disk?
- Instruct technicians to check and secure the reel after each stop. Failure to do so can result in the hose unrolling on the road behind the vehicle, leading to equipment damage, downtime, repair expenses and lawsuits.
- Our experience is that these reel locks have more problems on trailer sprayers, possibly due to increased bouncing from a rougher ride.
- Reel Safety – Electric Reels
- Electric reels do not have a reel lock. If they did, you would be buying a new reel every time your tech burned out the motor trying to rewind a locked reel. Since there is no lock, it is critical that the spray gun (other other tool) be well secured in the vehicle. If the gun were to bounce out of the truck, there is no brake to prevent the entire hose from winding out behind the truck. This is particularly important for trailer sprayers.
- Ensure the hose is evenly wound around the reel drum. If the hose is wound on one side of the reel, it can push the reel off center. This will eventually destroy the drive gear and result in significant repair expense.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Weed Control Sprayers - How Much Spray Hose?
How much hose do I need for my weed control spray rig? This is a question I am often asked by
prospects and customers.
The short answer to the question is that it is much better
to have 50 feet too much hose than to be 1’ short. If the hose is too short, you can’t do a thorough
job or you have to stop what you are doing and move the vehicle. The cost of the extra hose is insignificant
compared to the cost of not being able to do your job properly.
Most manufacturers bundle hose in rolls of 200’, 300’ and
sometimes 400’. That is how most distributors
want to sell it to you.
To determine how much hose you need, review your route and figure
out the distance from where you park your vehicle to the farthest point you
need to reach with your spray hose. That
is a good starting place. If you don’t
have a route yet, look at the average property size in your trade area and
determine the longest distance you will likely need to span.
Next, remember that the end of the hose wears out from use
and will need to be cut away periodically to prevent leaks. If you start off with exactly the amount of
hose you need to reach the farthest point on the route, if you have to cut off
10’ of hose due to wear, your hose is now too short to do your job.
Some other thoughts:
- -
If buying a long hose, make sure your weed control sprayer pump has
the pressure needed to push water through the hose.
-
- -If you only have 1 or 2 stops that require a
long hose, consider making a jumper hose.
This is a length of hose on quick disconnects that is stored separately
and only used for the few stops that require a longer hose.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Benefits of Electric Pest Control Sprayers
1.
Lower Cost
– Electric sprayers are
generally simpler, have fewer parts and cost significantly less than
gas-powered sprayers. Usually the pump
and motor is a single unit, which costs less (than gas powered) and that does
not require any additional assembly, which saves assembly labor and cost.
2.
Less Space
– Electric sprayers generally take up less space in the vehicle. The electric pump & motor is usually
quite a bit smaller than a gas motor & pump assembly. The smaller footprint has a number of
advantages:
-
Ability to use a smaller vehicle. Smaller vehicles generally cost less to
purchase and operate.
-
More space for other equipment &
products. For pest control professionals
practicing IPM, this can be a particularly valuable benefit.
3.
Less Maintenance – Electric power sprayers have
fewer moving parts and often have simpler plumbing. This means less to go wrong, fewer parts to
maintain in inventory and easier maintenance.
4.
Greener
Image – Because they don’t use gasoline, the operator can claim to be a greener
company that doesn’t use gas-burning engines.
5.
Quieter –
Electric engines make almost no noise as opposed to gas-powered sprayers which
can be quite noisy. This can allow the operator
to operate earlier and later in the day without disturbing clients and
neighbors.
I will discuss downsides to electric sprayers, as well as
pros and cons of gas-powered sprayers.
Comments?
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Termite Pretreat Rods – Cheap Is Expensive
Sometimes it's worth trying to save a little money on termite tools sometimes it is not. In this case, it is not.
With the homemade tool, (crushed aluminum pipe), the termiticide application pattern is irregular. An irregular pattern means extra work to ensure good coverage, as well as wasted chemical when the tech goes over already-treated areas to fill in gaps. Extra work and wasted chemical reduced profit on the job.
A better way to do it can be seen in this photo:
This is the termite pretreat rods we build for our clients. The tool is designed to be ergonomically easy to use and to put down a perfect pattern, which saves chemical and money.
We use a aluminum wand, which is sturdy yet light weight. We also use a 45° brass elbow to make the tool easy to use and handle. The brass spraying systems tip creates a perfect pattern.
Additional fittings such as quick disconnects and shut off valves can be added for your specific need. We can build the tool in ½”, ¾” and 1” sizes. The pretreat wands run from $119 to $199 depending on size and features. You will save the purchase price on your first pretreat.
In this case is clearly worth spending a little bit more money up front save money on every single termite job. Check out all our termite tools at www.qspray.com/termite-central
Comments?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Pest Control Hose Reels
I am pleased to introduce CoxHoseReels.com
- to make it easy for pest control & weed control professionals to
find hose reels for their power sprayers.
We have a large inventory of the most commonly used hose reels, hose reel swivels and roller guides.
We will add large termite pretreat reels and hose reel parts in the near future.
We have a large inventory of the most commonly used hose reels, hose reel swivels and roller guides.
We will add large termite pretreat reels and hose reel parts in the near future.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
B&G Sprayer Tips
Tips to save money on your B&G Sprayer:
-
Tip Cleaning – Follow manufacturer directions
for cleaning tips. This usually includes
using a soft bristle brush and mild cleaner.
Wire brushes, pins, pocketknives, etc. will destroy tips.
-
Tip Wear – One study reported that brass tips
wear out at about 10% per year. This
means every year your tip is putting out 10% more product than it was last
year. A new B&G Tip (about $20) is cheaper
than a 10% increase in chemical cost.
-
Prevent Downtime - Keep the old tip as a backup. Store in the vehicle in your emergency repair
kit.
-
B&G Sprayer 4-Way Tip – is great if you
use multiple spray patterns. If you only
use 1 or 2 of the patterns, substituting industry available Spraying Systems
parts is cheaper and easier. See the 2
photos.
= The 1st shows the typical B&G Sprayer assembly (wand,
modified assembly, tip, retaining ring).
This tip assembly is about $45 in parts (excluding the wand).
= The 2nd photo shows how to do it
with industry standard parts. The modified
assembly is removed. All that is needed
is the tip and the retaining ring. This
tip assembly is about $10 in parts.
-
Secure your B&G sprayer in the truck. Lots of B&G sprayers get damaged from
rolling around in the back of the vehicle or being crushed by other unsecured
equipment.
-
It’s a Spray Wand not a Crowbar – Our repair
shop sees many B&G sprayers’
wands and tips that are damaged from opening gates, moving trash & debris,
being dragged on the ground and other inappropriate uses.
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